August 8, 2009 – The 9th Annual Bicycle Film Festival, an international event that “celebrates the bicycle in all forms and styles” is rolling into Montreal and Toronto this month. Other venues include major cities in the USA, Western Europe, Japan and Australia during a six-month tour that began in May.

The dates for Montreal are August 14-16 while Toronto’s dates are August 19-22. On the program in Montreal is a showing at the National Film Board, a Night Ride and Outdoor Lounge, bike polo, and an in-store cocktail. Toronto will see a Bikes Rock concert, a few parties and short films on such topics as BMX and urban biking. More information is available on line (where tickets can also be purchased) here.

There are no venues in western Canada, but Seattle WA seems to be tentatively penciled onto the calendar for September 10-11, putting the festival within easy reach of Vancouver.

According to the website, in 2001, Brendt Barbur, the BFF’s founder and Director started the Bicycle Film Festival after being hit by a bus while riding his bike in New York City. Instead of being deterred by this experience, it inspired him to create a festival that celebrates the bicycle through music, art, and film. Now in its ninth year the festival is held in 39 cities worldwide – a total of 250,000 people are expected to attend this year.

The Bicycle Film Festival celebrates the bicycle in all forms and styles. If you can name it – Tall Bike Jousting, Track Bikes, BMX, Alleycats, Critical Mass, Bike Polo, Road Cycling, Mountain Biking, and Recumbents – we’ve probably either ridden or screened it. The festival is a celebration these lifestyles than through art, film, music and performance?

The BFF web site adds… “We bring together all aspects of bicycling to advocate its ability to transport us in various ways. Ultimately the BFF is about having a good time. We have been fortunate enough to include the work of established artists such as Jorgen Leth, Mike Mills, Jonas Mekas, Blonde Redhead, Swoon and Michel Gondry; as well as talented newcomers as part of our programming. Many of the artists who have participated in the Bicycle Film Festival, such as the Neistat Brothers and Lucas Brunelle, are gaining more and more recognition for their work.”

Barbur signs off his message with the mention, “P.S. bikes rule”